The ReMION collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Karsa Ltd provided valuable insight into just how challenging it is to adapt laboratory instruments for long-term atmospheric measurements – and that led to a breakthrough. Thanks to FRIF’s TIA Postdoc funding, the project was able to recruit a top expert from abroad.
Project title: Resolving atmospheric ultrafine particle phase constituents with Karsa electrospray MION (ReMION)
Project partners: Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki & Karsa Ltd
Principal investigator of the project: Mikko Sipilä, University of Helsinki.
FRIF funding awarded: €172,904
The recently concluded ReMION project, led by the University of Helsinki, focused on studying atmospheric nanoparticles. The project also aimed to develop more precise measurement methods to determine what these particles are made of. The project’s corporate partner was Karsa Ltd, whose measurement device was both studied and further developed as part of the collaboration.
“Atmospheric nanoparticles are significant because they affect air quality, human health, and the Earth’s radiative balance. These particles can penetrate deep into the human lungs, which is why it is essential to know what they are made of,” says Juha Kangasluoma from the University of Helsinki. Kangasluoma is a professor of aerosol physics and has been closely involved in the ReMION project throughout its entire lifecycle.
A breakthrough via unexpected paths
The project originally aimed to develop a system based on the electrospray method to measure vapors evaporated from aerosol particles.
Electrospray produces highly charged droplets, which generate a chemically well-controlled ion population as they evaporate. These ions are directed by electric fields into the same flow as the vapors evaporated from aerosol particles. The resulting clusters formed between ions and vapor molecules can then be detected using mass spectrometry.
Along the way, the project team realized that applying electrospray to continuous measurements was more challenging than initially expected. In addition, integrating electrospray into the device would have made the system even more complex, so the team began developing alternative methods.
“During the project, we learned what doesn’t work – and that led us to a breakthrough. We figured out how to use a non-toxic solid that is safe for humans and also non-corrosive. You only need a milligram of it, and it can work for years without maintenance,” says Aleksei Shcherbinin, Chief Product Officer of Karsa Ltd.
“This substance sublimates with the help of X-rays, allowing the formation of a chemically well-controlled ion population without the liquid and voltage control systems required by electrospray,” explains Kangasluoma, describing the principle behind the method.
The next step is to calibrate the developed measurement device to ensure it produces the most accurate results possible. The technology created in the project has already reached the field – INAR currently operates a device on the Atlantic coast of Ireland that measures atmospheric particles using findings from the ReMION project.
In addition to its practical applications, the ReMION project also had significant academic value. So far, it has resulted in a research article published in Analytical Chemistry, one of the most prestigious international journals in the field of analytical chemistry. A second article is currently under peer review in the same journal.
Beyond scientific publications, ReMION has had a broader scientific impact. Two new research projects based on ReMION’s results are currently under review at the Academy of Finland. In addition, Kangasluoma has submitted a project proposal to the European Research Council (ERC), also grounded in the outcomes of ReMION.
The work to develop more precise methods for measuring atmospheric ultrafine particles is ongoing.
FRIF funding enabled the recruitment of a top expert for the project
FRIF’s TIA funding played a key role in the success of the ReMION project. It enabled the recruitment of a postdoctoral researcher, Henning Finkenzeller, from abroad. He was responsible for coordinating the collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Karsa Ltd. Even after the project’s completion, he continues to work with both the University of Helsinki and Karsa.
“I think these kinds of programs are very important for attracting foreign talent and providing opportunities for companies – especially small ones like ours – to collaborate with universities,” says Shcherbinin.
“Our project team is grateful to the foundation for the funding. It was absolutely crucial – without it, this project would not have happened in its current form,” Kangasluoma concludes.
FRIF’s TIA Postdoc grants will be open for applications again in autumn 2026. Learn more about upcoming calls for proposals.
